United States 116th Congress Status: In Committee 1 R cosponsors

HR 3697 — Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act

Last action — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

The bill aims to enhance flexibility in fisheries management and support fishing communities.

This legislation intends to amend fisheries management rules to provide more flexibility for managers and better stability for fishermen. It also clarifies definitions and establishes processes to support fishery communities.

What this means for you
  • Fishing Communities: This bill aims to support fishing communities by enhancing management flexibility and stability.

Summary

Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act This bill modifies provisions related to fishery management activities. Among other things, the bill authorizes fishery management councils to use alternative measures as part of management plans at recreational fisheries and for recreational portions of mixed-use fisheries; revises the annual catch limit requirements, including by allowing councils to consider changes in an ecosystem changes and the economic needs of the fishing communities when establishing limits; directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to publish every three years a plan to conduct stock assessments for any species subject to a fishery management plan; requires NOAA to develop a plan for implementing cooperative research with fisherman and outside groups; prohibits feeding sharks in federal waters off the coast of Florida; and sets forth requirements under which a state may encourage the elimination of lionfish.

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

9 changes Share ↗

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to update definitions, findings, and authorization of appropriations, enhancing the flexibility for fishery management and providing clearer terms related to fish stocks and fishing practices.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(1)

    economy, → cultural well-being,

    Adds 'cultural well-being' to the findings related to fisheries.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(10)

    economic growth; → and traditional ways of life;

    Includes 'traditional ways of life' in the findings of the Act.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1802(2)

    management program

    Removes 'management program' from the definition of 'bycatch'.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1802(34)

    The terms `overfishing' and `overfished' mean → The term `overfishing' means

    Clarifies the terminology related to overfishing and overfished stocks.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1802

    (8a) The term `depleted' means, with respect to a stock of fish or stock complex, that the stock or stock complex has a biomass that has declined below a level that jeopardizes the capacity of the stock or stock complex to produce maximum sustainable yield on a continuing basis.

    Introduces a new definition for 'depleted'.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1802

    (43a)(A) The term `subsistence fishing' means fishing in which the fish harvested are intended for customary and traditional uses, including for direct personal or family consumption as food or clothing; for the making or selling of handicraft articles out of nonedible byproducts taken for personal or family consumption, for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary exchange or trade.

    Adds a definition for 'subsistence fishing' providing clarity on traditional fishing practices.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1802

    (B) In this paragraph--(i) the term `family' means all persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, or any person living within the household on a permanent basis; and (ii) the term `barter' means the exchange of a fish or fish part--(I) for another fish or fish part; or (II) for other food or for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature.

    Defines key terms related to 'subsistence fishing' for clarity.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1803

    this Act and all that follows through ``(7)'' → this Act

    Modifies appropriation authorization wording for clarity.

  • 16 U.S.C. 1803

    fiscal year 2013 → each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024

    Updates the authorization of appropriations to cover fiscal years 2020 through 2024.

Action History

  1. Introduced in House

  2. Introduced in House

  3. Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

  4. Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 546 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (546)

546 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does HR 3697 do?
Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act This bill modifies provisions related to fishery management activities. Among other things, the bill authorizes fishery management councils to use alternative measures as part of management plans at recreational fisheries and for recreational portions of mixed-use fisheries; revises the annual catch limit requirements, including by allowing councils to consider changes in an ecosystem changes and the economic needs of the fishing communities when establishing limits; directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to publish every three years a plan to conduct stock assessments for any species subject to a fishery management plan; requires NOAA to develop a plan for implementing cooperative research with fisherman and outside groups; prohibits feeding sharks in federal waters off the coast of Florida; and sets forth requirements under which a state may encourage the elimination of lionfish.
Who sponsors HR 3697?
HR 3697 is sponsored by Young, Don (Republican).
What is the current status of HR 3697?
This bill died with 116th Congress. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HR 3697?
Track HR 3697 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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