S. 3658: Supporting Healthy Interstate Fisheries in Transition Act

This legislation, known as the Supporting Healthy Interstate Fisheries in Transition Act or the SHIFT Act, aims to improve the management of coastal fisheries in response to changing ecological conditions. Key components of the bill include:

1. Management of Shifting Fish Stocks

The bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce encourages the inclusion of data on environmental changes in coastal fishery management plans. When adjusting quotas for fishing, the Secretary must consider:

• Changes in fish abundance and distribution.
• The potential ecological impacts such as effects on food webs and habitats resulting from new quota allocations.

2. Actions by the Secretary

Amendments are made to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, introducing new criteria for the Secretary regarding fisheries that extend beyond the authority of a single management council:

• If it’s determined that a fishery spans multiple councils, the Secretary must notify those councils within six months, and they must come to a majority decision on management plans within a year.
• In cases of disagreement, the Secretary has the authority to decide how the fishery should be managed.

3. Fishery Authorization Process

The bill modifies the process for adding new fisheries to official lists, requiring:

• A sufficient analysis of potential impacts on the marine ecosystem and fishing communities.
• A review by fishery councils every five years to propose changes to existing fisheries or gear based on their effects on essential habitats and ecosystems.
• Implementation of a public comment period once changes are determined.

4. Reporting Requirements

The law requires the Secretary of Commerce to submit reports to Congress every five years on the implementation of the Act and its impacts, focusing on the integration of ecological data and management of transboundary fisheries.

5. Effective Date

The provisions of this Act will take effect 180 days after it is enacted.

Relevant Companies

• CHK (Chesapeake Energy Corporation): The company may be affected by changes in fishing regulations and quotas, particularly if they operate in coastal areas where fishing resources are managed under the new provisions.
• TSN (Tyson Foods, Inc.): As a major supplier of food products, any changes in fisheries management could impact their sourcing and supply chain related to seafood products.