The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is speaking out in praise of President Barack Obama’s decision to expand the United States’ marine protected areas and fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The president, speaking at the global “Our Ocean” conference hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry, announced the expansion and a number of other initiatives to protect against IUU fishing and to research and develop aquaculture. The announcement drew praise from the National Fisheries Institute, Oceana and the Coalition of U.S. Seafood Producers.
WWF’s Michele Kuruc, acting senior VP for marine conservation, added to the praise, particularly for the president’s stance on IUU fishing.
“WWF welcomes today's announcement which could double the area of ocean that is fully protected,” Kuruc said. “By expanding marine protected areas and combatting black market fishing, the administration is using the power of the presidency to secure the long-term health of our oceans and the livelihoods they support.”
Kuruc said the American seafood industry is in a unique position to help stop IUU fishing and the ripple effects it has on the economy and the environment.
“While Illegal fishing hurts U.S. consumers, fishers, and businesses, it is a complex global issue requiring bold action from all nations,” Kuruc said. “As one of the top seafood importers in the world, the U.S. has a responsibility to ensure that every fish bought in our stores, markets, and restaurants is fully traceable to where it was legally caught.”
