Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Last week, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed two bills co-led by Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK-AL) aimed at streamlining government action to support marine industries and conservation efforts–the Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act, introduced by Reps Peltola and Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), and the Right Whale Act, co-sponsored by Reps Peltola and Earl “Buddy” Carter (R-GA-01). The FISHES Act will expedite disaster relief for fisheries, and the Right Whale Act seeks to enhance protections for endangered marine species. 

The FISHES Act would require the OMB to approve or disapprove a state’s spending plan for fishery disaster relief within 30 days to expedite the federal fishery disaster relief process overall.

“Fishing communities are the backbone of our coastal Alaskan economies, and the FISHES Act ensures they get the timely support they need when disaster strikes,” said Rep. Peltola of the legislation. “This bill cuts through the red tape, allowing fishing communities to rebuild and thrive.” 

The Right Whale Act would create a grant program to promote the coexistence of ocean users, the North Atlantic right whale, and other large cetacean species. The bill specifically addresses the challenges of reducing deadly whale and vessel collisions. Recreational boating supports almost 3,500 jobs in Alaska and adds nearly $750 million annually to the state’s economy.

“Alaskans understand the delicate balance between protecting marine life and supporting maritime industries,” said Rep. Peltola. “This bill strikes a necessary balance, ensuring that commerce and conservation can move forward together, benefiting both our economy and our environment.”

Support for the Right Whale Act:

“We strongly support Representatives Carter and Peltola in their leadership to advance bipartisan legislation centered around technological solutions to protect marine life, while prioritizing boater safety and supporting coastal economies,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “This legislation represents a critical step forward in preventing NOAA’s flawed vessel speed rule from going into effect, and identifies bipartisan, viable alternatives to solve a complex conservation issue. We urge Congress to move this bill through the legislative process to protect U.S. boaters, American jobs and marine life.”

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