Bill > HR799

This bill, the Fisheries Disaster Relief and Research Investment Act, aims to bolster fisheries and the communities that depend on them by establishing a new grant program and streamlining federal management processes. It introduces "fishery investment committees" within regional fishery management councils, composed of individuals with expertise in various aspects of the fishing industry and conservation, to develop "regional fishery investment plans." These plans will identify critical needs for research, conservation, and management to ensure healthy fish populations and sustainable fisheries over a five-year period, covering areas like stock assessments, catch data improvement, social and economic impact analysis, financial assistance to fishermen and communities, and habitat restoration. A competitive grant program will then fund projects that align with these regional plans, with preference given to public-private partnerships. The bill also revises how funds are allocated, dedicating a significant portion to these regional plans and a smaller portion to national initiatives, including fisheries disaster assistance. Furthermore, it mandates a review of existing regulations and procedures under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to identify and eliminate redundancies and bureaucratic hurdles, thereby improving efficiency in fisheries management.