pressed my concern based on observations of the North Pacific 

 Council that our Federal fishery management system is rooted in 

 conflict of interest. 



The record of our hearings to date indicate similar concerns ex- 

 pressed by 13 separate commercial fishing interests, 6 recreational 

 fishing interests, 7 conservation groups, 6 government officials, and 

 3 regional councils, and most recently by the Governor of my State, 

 Mike Lowery, who was a member of this Committee and from his 

 observations makes the comment that the dilemma makes clear the 

 need for coordinated Federal leadership to transition the Councils 

 from their existing stature to one of public trust. 



Clearly, the diversity of views that have expressed concerns to 

 our Committee sends us a clear message that something must be 

 done. Today we have an opportunity to hear what the Inspector 

 General thinks about this issue, and I very much want to welcome 

 Mr. DeGeorge, and I look forward to his testimony. Thank you, Mr. 

 Chairman. 



Mr. Manton. Thank you. The chair recognizes Mr. Kingston. 



Mr. Kingston. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I think I will pass. 



Mr. Manton. Moving back to the other side. Mr. Hamburg? 



Mr. Hamburg. It has already been said. 



Mr. Manton. Mr. Lancaster? 



Mr. Lancaster. No statement. 



Mr. Manton. Ms. Cantwell. 



STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL, A U.S. 

 REPRESENTATIVE FROM WASHINGTON 



Ms. Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do appreciate you 

 holding this hearing today to examine the issue of conflict of inter- 

 est of the Fishery Management Councils. Today's hearing is a mile- 

 stone in the Committee's consideration of Magnuson for it is the 

 last hearing the Committee anticipates holding on the reauthoriza- 

 tion. 



Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I cannot over- 

 emphasize the importance of the Magnuson Act to my district in 

 the State of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Our nation's 

 fishing industry is in trouble. In the Northwest impacts or short- 

 ened seasons and limited access are being felt in job reductions and 

 bankruptcies throughout the region. 



It is our responsibility to tackle the tough issues and decisions 

 that surround the Magnuson Act and to provide greater stability 

 and certainty to this vital American enterprise. With the comple- 

 tion of this series of hearings, our legislative work will begin in 

 earnest. 



Allegations of conflict of interest on Councils whether they are 

 real or perceived must be addressed. Allocation decisions granting 

 a specific share of total harvest to a particular category of fisher- 

 men have become an increasingly common mode of resource man- 

 agement by the Councils. 



These decisions result in economic benefits to certain sectors of 

 the industry and inevitably in losses to others. The North Pacific 

 Council whose 1991 allocation decision will be the primary topic 

 today has been the subject of many conflict of interest allegations. 



