In its April 2007 issue, National Geographic magazine focuses on the global fisheries crisis, showing how high-tech harvesting methods, greed, and wasteful management have brought world fish stocks to dangerous lows. From the Arctic to the Antarctic, we are depleting our oceans of fish. Since 1900, many fish species, including swordfish, marlin and the biggest types of tuna, have declined by 90%. If this trend continues, global fisheries will collapse by 2048.

Right now, the National Marine Fisheries Service is developing new rules to end overfishing and rebuild depleted fish populations in the United States. In order to be sure that these rules are strong enough to fix the problem, we are encouraging people to let the agency know that you support an end to overfishing.

Help today! Sign your name to the comment below.

Your message will be sent to:

Mark Millikin
National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA
1315 East-West Highway
Silver Spring
Maryland 20910

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The amendment process of the National Standard 1 guidelines should include a precautionary approach to ending overfishing. It is essential that all new fishery management plans are designed to have a high probability of success and do not exceed scientifically recommended catch limits.

The need for the precautionary approach to fishery management is long overdue. It is critical, now more than ever, that the National Marine Fisheries Service directs Fishery Management Councils to err on the side of caution.

Please consider this an official comment.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
March 14, 2007