Farm bill 2007: Placing fisheries upstream of conservation provisions

Although policy issues likely cause most fisheries professionals to feel sleepy and move on to more enticing reading material, we hope that our colleagues will take the time to explore the implications of upcoming reauthorization of the U.S. Farm Bill. The name of the bill may imply corn and cattle; however, it is potentially the most influential aquatic conservation legislation to be considered by the U.S. federal government and requires the focused attention of all fisheries and aquaculture professionals, especially those within the United States. Below, we describe the history and inner workings of this legislation and provide a list of issues to be addressed in the 2007 version of the Farm Bill. By understanding this bill, contributing to its genesis, and fully participating in its implementation as fisheries scientists, we have the opportunity to benefit fisheries resources immensely and create an important precedent for a future technical presence in the process.