The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is preparing an extensive review of Alaska´s troubled pollock, cod, rockfish and other groundfisheries as it´s first-ever attempt to assess the comprehensive impact of fishing on the environment. The outcome of this review will either help establish a model for future ecosystem based fisheries management in the United States or allow continuation of the existing system, which has caused the collapse of ocean ecosystems throughout the country and around the world.

Unfortunately NMFS´ draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) fails to present a fully-integrated, feasible alternative that conserves fish stocks, protects habitat and provides truly sustainable fisheries. Unless changed this SEIS process sets a disturbing national precedent as NMFS is expected to replicate this effort around our nation´s coasts.

Your help is needed to support a healthy oceans alternative that implements the conservation requirements of the Sustainable Fisheries Act.

To send a free fax comment in support of a healthy oceans alternative that implements the conservation requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act go to: www.alaskaoceans.net

To view the Marine Fish Conservation Network´s comments go to: www.conservefish.org