Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

Interesting case example by Patagonia on how they generated support for fishing regulations:

Swordfish, like many of our large predatory fish, have experienced a decline in their numbers. In 1998, SeaWeb and the Natural Resources Defense Council launched the “Give Swordfish a Break” campaign with the support of 27 high-profile chefs who signed a pledge to not serve swordfish in their restaurants. It grew to include more than 700 chefs and other food-industry professionals, and was among the first attempts to harness market forces in the name of ocean ecology.

The end of the campaign came as a result of new rules issued by U.S. regulators who halted or limited commercial long-line fishing in three areas off the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where too many young, undersized swordfish were being caught and discarded.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder how many of those 27 chefs had actually served a regular diet of swordfish before they pledged to never serve it.

Patagonia also takes some credit for strengthening the Magnuson-Stevens Act and its recent reauthorization.

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